Council to dive into pool report

It might be the last time to dive right in with input for a new swimming pool and recreation facility ---- at least conceptually.

After three months of intense planning by a citizen committee and conceptual work by BG Consultants, the Eudora City Council will see fleshed-out concept drawings, hear budget options and learn the rationale behind the design of the facility during the 7 p.m. meeting Monday at the Eudora City Hall.

"The purpose of this meeting is to get their input, before we draft the final plans for the public to approve," Eudora City Administrator Cheryl Beatty said. "This is a full presentation of what everything is about."

It will also mark the last stop before the start of a publicity campaign next month.

The campaign will try to garner support to help pass a bond, which would fund construction of the $3.5 million project during the Aug. 4 general election.

"The finances are coming along," Beatty said.

As of now, the committee will look to raise the money through a 3-mill property tax increase and a half-cent sales tax increase, Beatty said.

Beatty said school district officials indicated the district's mill levy could be dipping somewhat the next couple ofyears, giving the city some room to finance the complex.

"That would be picked up by our project," Beatty said.

The presentation will be the first official report to the council since months earlier, when the council gave its consent to form the group.

The purpose of the group was to find a way to help alleviate the failing condition of the city's current pool near Laws Field and to find a place for the community to meet.

The preliminary sketches of the center show a conjoined facility consisting of a pool, community room and sports facility.

The recreation center would have a full basketball court, which could be divided into two smaller courts.

The pool will feature a zero-depth entry point, and depending on council and voter reaction, a small slide and lazy river.

With the "perks," the facility's price tag could jump to $3.7 million, Beatty said.

Although the presentation will be primarily aimed at the council, it would also give citizens a chance to voice their opinions on the subject.

"The citizen would find it interesting to see all of (the recreation complex) plans and it would give them a chance to have input at least one more time before they finalize plans," Beatty said. "At the next committee meeting we will be looking to finalize plans."

Beatty said she expected good reactions from the council.

"So far the input I've gotten back from the council is real positive," Beatty said. "This really brings it to them with the final budget proposal and the final concept drawings."

Also scheduled for the meeting will be a presentation concerning the search to raise funds for the commission of a statue of Eudora Fish, the town's namesake.